NFL Power Rankings: Playoff preview

Third-best team secured its playoff spot last night

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

CORPUS CHRISTI - 1. Denver Broncos (This week: BYE)

- Going into the postseason with 11 straight wins. No team is hotter.

2. Atlanta Falcons (This week: BYE)

- Armed with statement wins during the season, the Falcons control the NFC and seem destined to grant Tony G his long-awaited playoff win.

3. Washington Redskins (This week: vs. Seahawks)

- After a 3-6 start, the Redskins haven't lost a single game and just won in a playoff atmosphere over Dallas, giving them something of a mental head start.

4. Seattle Seahawks (This week: at Redskins)

- Week 17 aside, Seattle's offense is on fire, but they're on the road prepping for a rookie quarterback quarrel that's destined to be a war. They'd be one spot up if this were at the "Clink".

5. Minnesota Vikings (This week: at Green Bay)

- After stunning victories over Houston and Green Bay, the Vikes are riding a massive emotional high. Don't count them out in Round 3 vs. the Packers.

6. New England Patriots (This week: BYE)

- Primed for a Super Bowl run in the AFC, it feels ordained that we'll get another Brady vs. Manning Bowl

7. San Francisco 49ers (This week: BYE)

- Having stolen the second seed, this crucial week off will be used to further Colin Kaepernick's role as the franchise's QB moving forward. A disjointed season could still be pieced together for a run.

8. Green Bay Packers (This week: vs. Vikings)

- Aaron Rodgers is clicking on all cylinders, but concerns with K Mason Crosby, as well as injuries on both sides of the ball will give the Packers a rocky road to Super Bowl glory.

9. Indianapolis Colts (This week: at Ravens)

- The Colts are brimming with confidence and have been elevated by the return of Chuck Pagano. The Ravens are the favorites, but don't sleep on Indy.

10. Baltimore Ravens (This week: vs. Colts)

- The fall of Baltimore's vaunted D has been somewhat shored up by the offense, as well as Jacoby Jones on special teams, but trouble is in the water.

11. Houston Texans (This week: vs. Bengals)

- What more can you say? The Texans haven't shown "it" when the spotlight is on. Plain and simple.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (This week: at Texans)

- There really isn't a good matchup in the playoffs for the Bengals, but their best shot to playoff glory is in Houston on Saturday. Momentum is on their side.